Become a Lifeguard

The Syracuse Parks trains and hires lifeguards to help ensure the safety of our pool patrons.

How much does it to become a lifeguard cost?

  • Fees will be waived for City Residents who fulfill an employment contract for the upcoming summer season with a minimum of 20 hours per week.
  • City Residents Registration Fee: $25
  • Noncity Resident Registration Fee: $75
  • Certification Fee: $80 for everyone and should be paid by check and brought the first day of class. Check made payable to Commissioner of Finance.

NEW LIFEGUARDS

Step 1.Check your eligibility.

To become a lifeguard you must:

  • Be 15 years of age by the last day of class.
  • Be able to swim 300 yards.
  • Be able to retrieve objects from 12 feet.
  • Be able to swim 15 yards underwater.
  • Tread water for 2 minutes without hands.
  • Register and pass a free prerequisite swim test at Valley Pool. (Filter by Certification & Training)
    Sign up for a pre-requisite swim test  

Step 2.Sign up for a certification class. 

Staff will contact you upon passing the prerequisite swim test. Classes are at Valley Pool or Southwest Pool.

  • Spring Sessions 
    • Sundays, March 17 to May 19, 2024 (excluding April 21), 5 to 8:30 p.m.
    • Tuesdays & Thursdays, March 12 to April 11, 4:30 to 8 p.m.
    • Tuesdays & Thursdays, April 16 to May 23, 4:30 to 8 p.m. 

Step 3.Attend all session dates.

Remember to bring:

  • Swimsuit
  • Towel
  • Goggles

At the end of the class you will be certified in:

  • Lifeguarding (Not waterfront)
  • First Aid
  • CPR for the professional rescuer
  • Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

Step 4.Apply for a job.

Upon completing and passing the certification class, we will provide an application for employment. 

For certified lifeguards that did not recertify with us or train this year, a performance interview is required to work. Proficiency standards must be met in each event to be eligible for hire. The performance interview is free of charge and consists of a practical test covering the candidate’s lifeguarding and CPR skills. Hiring priority is given to city residents. Pre-registration is required.

Sign up for a performance interview

Step 5.Complete the hiring process.

RECERTIFY AS LIFEGUARD

Step 1.Check your eligibility.

To recertify as a lifeguard you must:

  • Hold a current lifeguard certification about to expire or expired in the last few weeks.  

Step 2.Sign up for a recertification class. 

Classes are at Valley Pool.

  • Spring Sessions 
    • Friday, Feb. 23, 5 to 10:30 p.m. & Saturday, Feb. 24, 9 to 11 a.m.
    • Sunday, April 21, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    • Friday, May 24, 5 to 10:30 p.m. & Saturday, May 25, 9 to 11 a.m. 

    Sign up for a recertification class

Step 3.Attend all session dates.

Remember to bring:

  • Swimsuit
  • Towel
  • Goggles

At the end of the class you will be recertified in:

  • Lifeguarding (Not waterfront)
  • First Aid
  • CPR for the professional rescuer
  • Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

Step 4.Apply for a job.

Upon completing and passing the certification class, we will provide an application for employment.

For certified lifeguards that did not recertify with us or train this year, a performance interview is required to work. Proficiency standards must be met in each event to be eligible for hire. The performance interview is free of charge and consists of a practical test covering the candidate’s lifeguarding and CPR skills. Hiring priority is given to city residents. Preregistration is required.

Sign up for a performance interview

Step 5.Complete the hiring process.